Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1887-08-26
FARM AND HoUsEaOLD.

and . large increase In the average
value, we begin to realize the extent OF
the draft horses progress. The incrsas.
ing importation this year and the uni
ysrsal demand for the draft horse means
higher prosperity for American agri-
culture-more oats and grass, more
good money.
An able prize essay on tho grade draft
horses, in the Western Agricaaurist, the
author of which the editor says is
practical breeder, urges breeders to
raise the practical farm horse. He APP
precistes the advantages Of the grade
draft horse Of 200 to 500 pounds on
the farm, and the still heavier weights,
]. 500 to 1900, that sell best on the
markets. What farmer does not have
worthy pride in driving such team
that everybody admires, and the buyers
all want to buy? But the grade draft
horse, he says, has other wide fields of
usefulness besides the farm.
The grade draft is vitality connected
with all our transportation industries.
In all Of our cities single heavy horses
are very generally superseding lighter
double teams for that class Of hauling
20 which they are especially adapted.
On smooth pavements horse Of this
kind can draw an immense lOad--in-
deed, the ordinary driver seems to think
that the limit Of strength has yet to be
discovered. The finest teams of grade
draft horses i'm the country are to be
seen in the cities. The manufacturing
industries there require great deal OF
heavy local transportation, and the
great mountains Of equine muscle called
into requisition are truly astonishing.
Teams weighing all the way from 5000
to $500 move msjestically along the
streets, drawing tons behind them with
apparent ease at brisk walk. And
who can resist the temptation to stop,
look upon and admire four horse
freighIer, immense in every sense of
the word, shaking the very earth ms IL
rolls steadily along under it's heavy
burden At first thought it might
seem possible, or probable, to some that
stesm power would epcroach on work
of the horse In doing what requires
great strength and that his value would
gradually grow less; but 1t is not the
case, as the demand for heavy horses Is
far from being supplied, and the prices
have an upward tendency. The demand
for common horses isover-supplied, but
it will be some time yet before good
grade draft animal will not sell readily
at fair, round price when put upon
the market anywhere. The dealer who
makes a business Of handling horses has
keen admiration for the grade draft,
because he is sure of profit in turning
him. In addition to the large and in
crsasing demand about cities, the grade
draft animal is indispensable about our
mines for the transfer Of ores and metals,
around all the large manufacturing es-
adjustments and in the vast lumber
trade of the country.
There is no doubt but what the de.
mand will increase, as we are just on
the threshold, as it were, Of railroad
building, heavy iron mining and manu-
factories, of machine farming. The
prices Of draft stock have steadily aG-
vanced in every country where they
have been used, and with increasing
prosperity In all our industries We see
no reason why there should not be u
corresponding increase In the value Of
our most valuable class horses. Their
use is Increasing as the supply is gracu-
ally enlarging. Most farmers were
prejudiced against their introduction,
but this prejudice is fast being re-
moved, and it is encouraging to begin
ners in breeding grade drafts to know
that no people or community that have
raised them have ever supplied their
places with any other breed of horses,
or with other kinds of domestic animals.
There is no branch of farming that
promises larger or surer profits than
grade draft horse breeding. The best
class of farmers and stock breeders in
the country are investing their money
in imported stations to improve the
horses of their vicinity. The great mass
Of farmers are better appreciating the
merits of the grade draft horse as a
profitable cash article Oh the farm, and
are grading up accordingly, breeding to
the best draft stations available. 1t
costs very little, If any, more to raise a
two-y ear-old grade draft colt than it
does common steer, while the price
that can be obtained for the former Is
about three times as much as that Of the
latter. On the farm where raised, if
we'll kept, they will earn their keep at
light work after they are two years old /;
in fact, being able to do almost any kind
of work, unless it is hauling on the
road. The heavy horse grower not only
advances his own interest in steadily
pursuing his calling, but is a public
bensfactor as we'll, and in reflective
moments has the satisfaction of know
ing that, while he has profteG, the
world is all the better for having lived
In 1t.
GRAPE WINE.-Mash the grapes, press
out the juice, cover the remains Of the
fruit with water, and after standing a
few hours press again. Add this to the
pure juice, and to each gallon after mix.
ing add three pounds Of granulated
sugar.
Allow this to stand in an open or un.